Dark Comedy Serves up Deadly Desserts

Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Cupcake
–

Genre: Comedy, Short
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 18m
Director(s): Kyle Perritt
Writer(s): Kyle Perritt, Henry Snyder
Cast: Revell Carpenter, Walker Trull, Bill Davis, Henry Riggs
Where To Watch: available to watch now www.youtube.com

RAVING REVIEW: CUPCAKE dives into a rich mixture of dark comedy, suspense, and a sprinkle of horror, crafting a story that's delectable and thought-provoking. The film focuses on the misadventures of Lucy (Revell Carpenter) and Paul (Walker Trull,) whose botched attempt at a poisonous pastry leads to an unforeseen and grim series of events. Set against the hauntingly beautiful southern marshlands, this movie perfectly balances between eliciting laughs and sending sugar-filled chills down the spine.

CUPCAKE presents a quaint setting that quickly descends into chaos, with our protagonists at the helm of the commotion. Carpenter's Lucy and Trull's Paul are the heart of this tale, delivering performances that blend desperation with a biting wit. Their on-screen dynamic catalyzes the experience, pulling the audience into frantic efforts to cover up their disastrous mistake.

The film also benefits from the performances of Henry Riggs and Bill Davis, who play Geoff and Randy, respectively. These characters add a layer of intrigue and humor, showcasing the unpredictable nature of life and the quirky individuals one might encounter along the way. Through these interactions, CUPCAKE explores the complexity of human relationships and the unexpected bonds formed under pressure.

Director Kyle Perritt navigates the fine line between humor and horror, employing special effects that underscore the severe repercussions of seemingly trivial actions. This approach heightens the film's suspense and emphasizes the narrative's exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.

The film's most significant weakness is its runtime; as a proof of concept, I was drawn into this world of chaos, but at just 18 minutes, everything unfortunately felt rushed and incomplete. I wanted more, the backstory and the story moving forward; I genuinely believe a feature-length prequel or sequel could be fantastic, or even taking this film as a “draft” and expanding the world around it.

The film's strength is further bolstered by its visually stunning cinematography, capturing the marshlands' and the unknown surroundings with an eerie beauty, a perfect backdrop to the unfolding catastrophe. This element enhances the film's atmosphere and serves as a silent character, influencing the story's mood and the characters' actions. The film’s score, with its haunting melodies and upbeat tempos, cleverly mirrors the narrative's swings between dark comedy and suspense, enriching the viewer's experience. This meticulous attention to these elements complements the storytelling, making CUPCAKE a standout piece that engages all senses, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

What truly sets CUPCAKE apart is its bold examination of mistakes, consequences, and the murky waters of moral ambiguity, all wrapped in a package that's as entertaining as it is insightful. Perritt does not shy away from confronting the audience with uncomfortable truths about human nature, packaged in a narrative that's as engaging as it is reflective. With its innovative narrative style and unique genre blend, CUPCAKE marks a significant entry into indie cinema, inviting audiences to delve into a story as rich and complex as its titular dessert.

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[photo courtesy of SEAMLESS PICTURES]

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